Child Welfare

Our country is one that offers the promise of opportunity for all. Here in Nebraska, we know that our state is stronger when all families can reach their full potential and contribute to our communities. This weekend, the Trump Administration announced a proposal that, if implemented, would be a direct…...

This week, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) released the agency’s business plan for 2018-2019. While we are pleased with several elements of the plan including working to improve maternal-child health and implement a system of care, Voices for Children is gravely concerned about the ongoing disregard…...

Last week, the Nebraska Legislature adjourned sine die, marking the end of this year’s legislative session. Each year, Voices for Children works to set legislative priorities, driven by data and research, to make Nebraska the best place to be a kid. Here’s a recap of how kids fared this session.…...

Our state senators make a lot of choices over the course of the legislative session, and the 105th Legislative Session (2017-2018) was no exception. During the two year session, 15 of Voices for Children’s priority bills made it to a final vote before the full body. We present our third…...

The following pro-kid bills were prioritized and are now headed to the next stage of debate at the Unicameral: Child Welfare LB 714, introduced by Senator Howard, would provide a procedure for a teenager living independently to request a formal court order of emancipation. LB 1078, introduced by Senator Crawford,…...

The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 2017 Race for Results: Building a Path to Opportunity for All Children report addresses the well-being of children of color and children from immigrant families.The data show racial and ethnic disparities between children by measuring 12 indicators and produce an index score to show varying…...

We have been busy this fall compiling data and putting together the 2017 Kids Count in Nebraska Report – our biggest and best yet! This year’s book contains data in each of our five issues areas: health, education, economic stability, child welfare, and juvenile justice as well as population level demographics,…...

As the days wind down in 2017, we wanted to take the time to review our greatest victories for kids and some of the biggest challenges, and to consider what 2018 will hold for kids. In Lincoln, lawmakers moved the needle for child well-being in the state with a number…...

The 2017 Race for Results: Building a Path to Opportunity for All Children report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation documents that racial and ethnic disparities prevent children of color and children from immigrant families from achieving success on key milestones. The data measure 12 indicators and produce an index…...

The Annie E. Casey foundation’s 2017 Race for Results: Building a Path to Opportunity for All Children report addresses the well-being of children of color and children from immigrant families.The data show racial and ethnic disparities between children by measuring 12 indicators and producing an index score for each group…...